Privateer Golfers Szirmak, Toledo Qualify for U.S. Amateur

UNO AthleticsSebastian Szirmak is one of two players from UNO to qualify for the US Amateur.

NEW ORLEANS - A pair of UNO golfers will compete in the 2009 U.S. Amateur Championship after claiming top four finishes at their respective qualifiers.

Sebastian Szirmak and Jose Toledo will each play in the prestigious event, scheduled for Aug. 24 through 30 at both Southern Hills Country Club and Cedar Ridge Country Club in Tulsa, Okla.

Szirmak qualified in Hamilton, N.Y., shooting 141 during his two rounds at Colgate University Seven Oaks Golf Club.

Toledo, meanwhile, tallied a two-day total of 145 at the Gary Player Signature Course in The Woodlands, Texas.

"Obviously, we are really proud of these guys," said UNO head coach Chris McCarter. "This is the first time we've had a guy qualify for the U.S. Amateur since I've been here, so to get two in is really special.

"They both have a ton of talent, and it wouldn't surprise me to see them do very well there."

Szirmak recently completed his freshman season at UNO and had a 76.21 stroke average in 24 rounds. He finished fourth individually at the UNO Mardi Gras Invitational at TPC Louisiana after a final-round 70.

Toledo, meanwhile, finished off his Privateer career this past spring. The two-time Louisiana Player of the Year had a 73.58 scoring average and won two individual titles during his three-year career.